CALDWELL COUNTY (WBAP/KLIF News) – The SPCA of Texas took custody of hundreds of allegedly cruelly-confined animals from a property near Lockart, about three hours south of Dallas, in Caldwell County on Monday.
Dozens of animals were found dead on the property, but the organization managed to save 421 animals.
The rescued animals include 150 feeder mice and rats, 86 snakes, 56 guinea pigs, 28 dogs, 26 rabbits, 15 goats, 9 doves, 8 skinks, 7 ferrets, 7 pigs, 6 pigeons, 4 geckos/lizards, 4 gerbils, 4 turtles, 3 bearded dragons, 2 ducks, 2 miniature pigs, 2 tortoises, 1 tarantula and 1 turkey.
The animals were taken to the SPCA of Texas’ Animal Rescue Center, sponsored by PetSmart Charities, in Dallas and the Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, where they will be examined by medical staff and cared for until they’re placed up for adoption when they are ready.
Most of the animals were found living in a filthy house on the property. Rescuers said the smell of urine was overpowering and the SPCA of Texas measured the ammonia level in the house to be 20 parts per million (ppm), which can cause health problems in humans.
The animals were housed in small, feces-filled cages or roaming free in the bedroom. Most of the reptiles were not properly housed or fed. Some animals were living in the yard and in a shed on the property in wire cages, carriers and homemade enclosures.
Due to the alleged neglect, many of the animals are suffering from various health problems, including eye issues and malnutrition.
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office reached out to the SPCA of Texas regarding the animals’ conditions late last week. Both agencies agreed that it was in the animals’ best interest to remove them.
The SPCA of Texas’ said that it’s their understanding that criminal charges are pending.
A custody hearing will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Caldwell County Justice Center.
To help support the SPCA of Texas and its efforts to help abused, neglected and homeless animals and to support the SPCA of Texas’ other programs and services, please visit https://www.spca.org/helptheanimals.
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